The Big Deuce - Designations

1953 - 1962

1962 -

Operator

Remark

S-56

S-56

-

Sikorsky model designation

XHR2S-1

-

Navy / Marines

Experimental version

HR2S-1

CH-37C

Navy / Marines

Production version

HR2S-1W

-

Navy / Marines

AEW version

YH-37A

-

Army

Service test version

H-37A

CH-37A

Army

Production version

H-37B

CH-37B

Army

Upgraded production version


Before 1962 US military services had different designation systems for their aircraft. On September 18, 1962 a common designation system was adopted for all services, and all Navy/Marines Corps/Coast Guard aircraft were redesignated according to the new system, as well as Army aircraft.